Spring has sprung, and while the weather is certainly taking its sweet time to get properly warmed up, blue skies and sunny afternoons are on the horizon, make no mistake!
Finally, we can start to consider turning off your home’s heating, flinging open the windows and letting fresh air flow into our homes. And with it, can you feel a fresh, optimistic outlook in the air?
It’s time to draw the heavy curtains, banish the Winter blinds, and let some sunshine in. If you’re looking to lighten things up in tune with the new season, then here are 7 ways to dress your windows this spring.
Bamboo Blinds & Lots Of Plants
With summer holidays prohibitively expensive (and summer, of course, still so far away!), we’re going for a tropical window dressing to bring home fond memories of holidays far flung.
If you want to introduce the essence of Bali and other tropical countries to your window, then start with plants. The serenity that the green, tropical foliage brings to your home can be soothing and rejuvenating in equal measure, especially in the relative drab of Britain.
While it’s hard to replicate lush tropical landscapes, filled with gorgeous green foliage and a vast array of brightly coloured flowers, rest assured that there are some vibrant indoor tropical plants that can flourish indoors here; Birds of Paradise, Orange Phalaenopsis Orchids, Ginger Lilies and Arum Lilies are just some of our favourites.
When it comes to window coverings, bamboo blinds are the only way to go. Moreover if you have a seriously sunny room, such blinds are ideal, giving you privacy while still letting in some of that much needed sunlight. Plus, they are one of the more affordable blind options out there.
Alternatively, you could go with some interior wooden shutters or dress your window with sheer voile curtains, just like the ones that blow in the breeze when you’re on holiday and create a whimsical feeling while doing so.
Spanish Shutters
Or, why not welcome Spain into your home this spring? Shutters are a mainstay of Spanish interior design and bring a warm, welcoming vibe even in reticent ol’ Blighty.
Actually, that reticence might chime with Spanish shutters, after all. According to El Pais via Lonely Planet, “the principal reason (shutters are so popular in Spain) is that while Spaniards are friendly and open, they are protective of their private lives and don’t wish their neighbours to have access to what goes on in their homes”.
Should you be looking to fuse supreme privacy with a stylish touch this spring, Spanish shutters could be for you.
If you’re keen to consider your privacy further, then interior shutters could be a prudent move. These are great for anyone who lives in an area with views which are just too good to obscure. Internal shutters can easily be adjusted for privacy, light or shade, and are perfect for creating a minimalist look for the home.
Springtime Fabrics & Flowers
Alternatively, linen makes great, lightweight drapes and blinds for spring time, offering enough shade to keep the house cool on warmer days while also lapping up all that beautiful natural light during the day.
Or, consider Roman or cascade blinds, which are perfect for framing the window while also bringing in the sun, and can be decorated with floral prints. At night, they can be brought down to add privacy and keep the house feeling cosy.
Outside, if you have window sills, you can fill these with beautiful window sill planters of springtime flowers to add a light, fragrant and seasonal feel to the house.
New Windows
If your house isn’t particularly light, and you’d love to open the space up for the future, why not get new windows entirely? Casement windows are the perfect way to add a spacious feel to the home while also opening up the room for a lighter and brighter environment. If you’re short on space and light, consider introducing skylights.
For those looking to maintain or add period charm to a property, sash windows offer timeless elegance while providing excellent ventilation options. These traditional windows slide vertically, allowing you to control airflow precisely by opening them from the top, bottom, or both simultaneously. Modern sash window designs combine this classic aesthetic with improved insulation and security features.
Installing new windows isn’t as time-consuming or expensive as you might first think. Many window replacement projects can be completed within a day or two, causing minimal disruption to your household. With advances in manufacturing and installation techniques, the process has become more streamlined and affordable. Additionally, many window companies offer financing options to spread the cost over time, making this home improvement more accessible.
The benefits extend beyond aesthetics, too. New energy-efficient windows can significantly reduce your heating and cooling costs throughout the year. Double or triple glazing provides better insulation, while low-emissivity (Low-E) glass coatings help keep heat in during winter and reflect solar heat during summer. This investment not only transforms the look and feel of your space but can also add considerable value to your property when it comes time to sell.
Eco-Friendly Window Treatments
Sustainability is increasingly important in home design, and your windows offer a perfect opportunity to make environmentally conscious choices. Consider wooden blinds sourced from sustainable forests, which provide natural texture and warmth while being renewable resources. Hemp and organic cotton curtains are excellent eco-friendly fabric options that come in various weights and styles.
For energy efficiency, cellular (honeycomb) shades are worth considering – their unique design traps air in distinct pockets, creating excellent insulation that keeps rooms cooler in summer and warmer in winter, potentially reducing your energy consumption. Cork blinds offer another sustainable option with natural insulating properties and a distinctive textural element.
Upcycled options can add character while reducing waste; vintage scarves or fabrics can be repurposed into unique curtain panels, while reclaimed shutters can be restored for a rustic touch. Many manufacturers now also offer window treatments made from recycled materials, including polyester from plastic bottles transformed into sophisticated blinds and shades.
A Window Seat
If you’re lucky enough to have a bay window, then build in some seating to it. If not, installing a small chair with the best view in the house offers a spring sunspot, where you can bask in any sunlight streaming through the windows and enjoy the fresh breeze, too. Bridging the gap between the inside and out by having somewhere to chill directly next to the window can be the perfect way to feel ‘at one’ with the outdoors when the actual temperatures outside demand you stay inside!
These sunny nooks can serve multiple purposes beyond simply providing a place to relax. With careful design, window seats can incorporate valuable storage space underneath—perfect for stashing extra blankets, books, or seasonal items. Make your window seat inviting with plush cushions and throw pillows in spring-inspired colours or patterns that complement your room’s décor. For an extra touch of comfort, add a small side table for your morning coffee or evening tea, creating the ideal reading corner or meditation space.
Smart Window Solutions
Bring your window treatments into the digital age with smart technology that offers convenience, energy efficiency, and enhanced home security. Motorised blinds and curtains can be programmed to open and close at specific times, helping to regulate your home’s temperature naturally by capturing warmth when needed and blocking heat during the hottest parts of the day.
Many smart systems can be controlled via smartphone apps or integrated with home assistants like Alexa or Google Home, allowing you to adjust your window coverings with simple voice commands or remotely when you’re away from home. Some advanced systems even include sensors that automatically adjust your blinds based on the room’s temperature or sunlight levels.
For those concerned about privacy, smart window films offer an innovative solution – these can transition from transparent to opaque with the touch of a button, eliminating the need for additional curtains or blinds in some settings. They’re particularly useful for bathroom windows or street-facing rooms where you want to balance natural light with privacy.
While the initial investment may be higher than traditional window treatments, smart solutions can pay dividends in energy savings and added convenience, making them an increasingly popular choice for modern homes.
The Bottom Line
There are plenty of ways to update your home for the spring, but by starting with the windows, you can bring in as much of the season into the house as possible. And whilst we realise it’s a long way off, if you love to play the long game then check out our article on ways to dress your windows in winter for more interior design inspiration!
